HITRUST CSF
Certifiable framework harmonizing 60+ security standards
ISO 26000
International guidance standard for social responsibility.
Quick Verdict
HITRUST CSF delivers certifiable security assurance for regulated industries via maturity-scored controls, while ISO 26000 provides non-certifiable guidance on social responsibility principles. Companies adopt HITRUST for compliance credibility; ISO 26000 for holistic sustainability integration.
HITRUST CSF
HITRUST Common Security Framework
Key Features
- Harmonizes 60+ frameworks for assess-once-report-many
- Risk-based tailoring via structured organizational factors
- Five-level maturity model from policy to managed
- MyCSF platform automates scoping and evidence management
- Tiered certifications e1/i1/r2 with centralized QA
ISO 26000
ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on social responsibility
Key Features
- Seven principles underpinning all SR activities
- Seven core subjects for holistic SR coverage
- Non-certifiable guidance for all organizations
- Stakeholder engagement drives prioritization
- Integrates with management systems like ISO 14001
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
HITRUST CSF Details
What It Is
HITRUST Common Security Framework (CSF) is a certifiable, threat-adaptive control framework harmonizing requirements from 60+ standards like ISO 27001, NIST 800-53, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR. It employs a risk-based approach with structured tailoring via organizational, system, and regulatory factors.
Key Components
- 19 assessment domains covering governance, technical controls, and resilience.
- Hierarchical structure: 14 categories, 49 objectives, ~156 specifications.
- **Five-level maturity modelpolicy, procedure, implemented, measured, managed.
- Tiered certifications (e1 essentials, i1 implemented, r2 risk-based) via MyCSF platform and external assessors.
Why Organizations Use It
- Rationalizes multi-regulatory compliance (assess once, report many).
- Delivers credible third-party assurance for healthcare, finance.
- Reduces breach risk (99.4% breach-free certified environments).
- Enables market differentiation, lower insurance premiums.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping, readiness, remediation, validated assessment, maintenance.
- Involves MyCSF for evidence, inheritance from cloud providers.
- Targets regulated industries; 12-18 months typical; requires assessor certification.
ISO 26000 Details
What It Is
ISO 26000:2010 is the international guidance standard on social responsibility (SR), providing a voluntary framework rather than certifiable requirements. Its primary purpose is to help organizations of all sizes, types, and locations integrate SR into governance, strategy, and operations through a holistic, stakeholder-informed approach focused on impacts, risks, and expectations.
Key Components
- Seven **core principlesaccountability, transparency, ethical behavior, respect for stakeholder interests, rule of law, international norms, and human rights.
- Seven **core subjectsorganizational governance, human rights, labor practices, environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, and community involvement/development.
- Built on multi-stakeholder consensus; no fixed controls but guidance on prioritization and integration.
- Non-certifiable model emphasizing self-assessment, transparent reporting, and alignment with frameworks like GRI, OECD, SDGs.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances risk management, resilience, and stakeholder trust amid ESG pressures.
- Drives strategic benefits like market access, talent retention, and efficiency.
- Supports voluntary SR credibility without certification burdens; aligns with emerging regulations.
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: materiality assessment, stakeholder engagement, policy integration, training, monitoring.
- Applicable universally; integrates with ISO 14001/45001. No audits required, focus on transparent communication.
Key Differences
| Aspect | HITRUST CSF | ISO 26000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Security/privacy controls, 19 domains, maturity scoring | Social responsibility, 7 core subjects, principles/guidance |
| Industry | Healthcare primary, all regulated sectors, global | All organizations/sectors, public/private/nonprofit, global |
| Nature | Certifiable control framework, prescriptive, assurance program | Non-certifiable guidance, voluntary, no requirements |
| Testing | Validated assessments by assessors, maturity scoring, certification | Self-assessment, stakeholder engagement, no formal testing |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | No penalties, reputational risks only |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about HITRUST CSF and ISO 26000
HITRUST CSF FAQ
ISO 26000 FAQ
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